Trees might not connect by fungal networks after all, two new studies say

Sabine Hossenfelder

Quantum Computing Non-Abelian Anyons Breakthrough

German/American physicists + Continuum startup created physical simulation of non-abelian anyons
Non-abelian anyons: quasi-particles existing only in 2D with topological properties
Named after Danish mathematician Niels Abel (not abilities)
Topological properties robust to noise, ideal for quantum computing
Microsoft's topological quantum computing approach
- 2018 Nature paper claimed evidence of majorana modes
- Paper retracted 2021 due to data analysis mistakes
New experiment used different non-abelian anyons on iron platform
Trap ion quantum processor: 27 qubits in kagome lattice pattern
Created Borromean rings through weaving manipulation
Experiment worked as desired
Google Quantum AI also succeeded (October archive paper, published in Nature)
- Created non-abelians on superconducting processor
- Successfully braided them
Plot twist: topological quantum computing working, but not at Microsoft

European researchers re-examined evidence for mother tree theory
Theory: central hub trees in forest networks connect via fungi
Mother trees support younger trees by transferring nutrients/resources
Communication through chemical signals via fungal threads
Also called "wood wide web"
Popularized by ecologist Susan Simard
- Ted Talk: 2+ million views
- Written book about theory
Cultural impact: Avatar movies, "The Overstory" by Richard Powers
New research findings:
- Evidence for carbon/nitrogen movement among plants exists
- Unclear how important fungal networks are
- Uncertain how widespread networks are
- Questionable whether carbon movement leads to seedling growth
- Alternative: carbon shared by other microbes turning over soil
Conclusion agrees with another paper published last month
Important for forest management decisions

Australian geophysicists unveiled new theory on diamond origins
Diamonds created deep underground, surface via volcanic eruptions
Kimberlite: specific volcanic rock bringing diamonds up
Major diamond source on Earth
Hundreds of kimberlite eruptions over past 200 million years
Eruptions particularly violent, create conical carrot-shaped craters
Mystery: where kimberlites originate and what propels them
Importance: diamonds used for cutting/grinding tools, same movements create nickel deposits
Research method: 3D model of Earth's mantle convection
Findings:
- Eruptions fueled by giant heat pillars
- Pillars connect mantle bottom to surface (~3000 km)
- Model correctly reproduced known eruptions in Africa, Brazil, Russia
- Less accurate for US/Canada eruptions
- Predicted kimberlites in East Antarctica, Western Australia

Caltech team improved microscopy speed/precision using entangled light
Quantum metrology: using entangled particles for imaging
Method: entangle two photons, one probes sample, recombine and measure difference
More precise than classical light measurements
Quantum optical coherence tomography
Innovation: used photons entangled in spatial direction (vs. typical frequency entanglement)
More difficult to measure but significantly reduces stray light noise
Results: much sharper images of cancer cells
Called "quantum microscopy by coincidence"
Relies on measuring coincident arrivals of entangled photons at two detectors

International team measured universe expansion rate using new method
Adds to Hubble tension: decade-old puzzle of disagreeing measurements
Universe expansion accelerating, but different measurement methods disagree
Traditional methods:
- Cepheid variable stars (intrinsic brightness indicates distance)
- Supernovae explosions
- Cosmic microwave background radiation
New technique: gravitational lensing time delays
Refsdal supernova discovery (searched since 1964):
- Massive galaxy cluster lens created multiple images
- Four images in Einstein cross formation
- Fifth image appeared year later
- Time delay revealed universe expansion during wait
Result closer to cosmic microwave background than supernovae measurements
Doesn't solve riddle, adds to confusion

NASA funding project through Innovative Advanced Concepts program
Current telescopes use solid mirrors (James Webb: 6.5m beryllium/gold)
FLUTE (Fluidic Telescope Experiment): 50m liquid mirror
Concept: fluids in microgravity form perfect spheres due to surface tension
Sphere adheres to frame interior, collects light
Potentially much cheaper than solid mirrors
Estimated 10-100x more light collection than current telescopes
Enables seeing further and more precisely
Team conducted microgravity experiments in airplanes and International Space Station
Still long way to practical implementation

European team compared two lens types for slowing childhood nearsightedness
Myopia increasingly prevalent globally, especially East Asia
Standard glasses often worsen condition by weakening eye muscles
New glasses claim to prevent progression or reverse myopia
Cost: $5000+ per pair
Study compared DIMS and DOT lenses:
- Both previously shown to reduce progression similarly in first year
- No comprehensive vision quality evaluation existed
DIMS lens (Hoya myosmart):
- Central zone corrects vision
- Honeycomb of small lenses refocuses image in front of retina
- Prevents eye expansion for focusing
DOT lens (SightGlass Vision):
- Reduces contrast via micro diffusers
New device measured focusing properties
Results: DIMS lens showed greater sharpness and contrast at peripheral retina

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